South Central Waterfront Combining District & Density Bonus Program Parks and Recreation Board March 25, 2024 South Central Waterfront Vision Framework Plan Adopted June 6, 2016 2 City Council Resolution 20220915-090 ▪ Increased development only available through the Density Bonus Program. ▪ Maximize community benefits and infrastructure investments. ▪ Create a Density Bonus Program “akin” to Downtown and that supports Project Connect. ▪ Allow entitlements for required infrastructure and community benefits. ▪ Ensure entitlements meet market demand. ▪ Create enhanced environmental standards and protections. ▪ Program to be re-evaluated/updated at least every five years. 3 District Boundary New parcels added that are affected by Project Connect light rail alignment. Project Connect Rail Alignment 4 Combining District Components ▪ General Provisions (Policies, procedures, and who can participate) ▪ Land Use Standards (Permitted and conditional land uses) ▪ Development Standards (What can be built and where) ▪ Design Standards (How it will look) ▪ Definitions 5 Density Bonus Components ▪ Procedures/Requirements ▪ “Gate Keeper” Requirements – Affordable Housing – Environmental Protection – Improved Streetscape and Built Environment ▪ In-Lieu Fees and Dedications ▪ Onsite Community Benefits Eligible for Bonus Area 6 Streets and Light Rail 7 Subdistricts Council approval is required to exceed FAR maximums Project Connect Rail Alignment 8 Critical Water Quality Zones 9 Permitted land uses support: Land Uses – Transit – Pedestrian use – Mixed-use – Creative Enterprise – Recreation and Entertainment Activity 10 Parks & Open Space ▪ Required publicly accessible Open Space (5% of site) ▪ Parkland dedication may be credited towards Parks Fee-in-Lieu amount ▪ Buildout of parks amenities is a community benefit available for bonus area ▪ Both parkland dedication and buildout must meet PARD criteria and be accepted by the PARD Director 11 *For artistic rendering purposes only 12 Bonus Program Structure First Then (For Additional FAR Beyond Base) Gate Keeper Requirements Onsite Affordable Housing (Fee for Non-Residential) Enhanced Environmental Protections Streetscape & Built Environment (To Reach Up to FAR Subdistrict Maximums) 70% In-Lieu Fees & Dedications Affordable Housing Parks Infrastructure 30% On-Site Community Benefits Open Space Universal Design Child / Adult Care Park Buildout Cultural Uses Music Venues Grocery Store Transit- Supportive Infrastructure 13 Existing PUDs, PDAs, and Planned Development Areas 15 Timeline b e F r a M r p A y a M n u J Public Comment Period Feb. 20 – Mar. 20 E n g a g e me …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 26, 2024 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 26, 2024 The PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD convened in a REGULAR meeting on February 26, 2024 at 301 W. 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Chair Villalobos called the PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD Meeting to order at 6:04 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Pedro Villalobos, Kathryn Flowers, Stephanie Bazan, Lisa Hugman, Nicole Merritt, Holly Reed. Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Lane Becker, Jennifer Franklin, Kim Taylor. Board Members Absent: Julie Hayes, Shelby Orme. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Ted Eubanks - Friends of Wooldridge Square Claire Krebs - Festival Beach Community Garden Andrea Hill - Barton Springs Bathhouse Contract Diana Prechter - Barton Springs Bathhouse Patricia Bobeck - Donating 3 minutes to Diana Prechter Liz Barhydt - Austin Rowing Club Joel Manzo - Austin Youth Baseball. Donated 2 minutes to Jason Williams Jason Williams - Game time fields owner Zoey Carlson - Austin Sandlot Baseball Community Santiago - Incomplete tree inventory near I-35 C Rickner - Austin Sandlot Baseball Community APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meetings of January 22, 2024. The motion to approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meetings of January 22, 2024 was approved on Chair Villalobos’ motion, Board Member Merritt’s second on a 9-0 vote. Board Members Hayes and Orme absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Discussion and possible action regarding letters of support for the Parks and Recreation Department Nature Programs Team 2. 1 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 26, 2024 Amanda Ross, Natural Resources Division Manager, Parks and Recreation Department gave a presentation. The motion to approve the letters of support for the Parks and Recreation Department Nature Programs Unit was approved on Chair Villalobos' motion, Board Member Bazan's second on a 9-0. Board Members Hayes and Orme absent. 3. Presentation, discussion and possible action regarding a recommendation to Austin City Council to approve an ordinance to amend Title 25 related to the environmental protections at the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail. Leslie Lilly, Environmental Program Manager, Liz Johnston, Environmental Policy Program Coordinator and Katie Coyne, Assistant Director, Watershed Protection Department gave a presentation and answered questions on the width of portions of the trail, erosion, trail paving martials, 2:1 mitigation vs 1:1 mitigation, City Council's authority to authorize the widening of trails, Council …
Parks and Recreation Board Fiscal Year 24/25 Budget Recommendation: Reed Additional Recommendation #1: Funding for three (3) FTE positions to implement PARD’s Land Management Plan. Rationale: • On Sept. 21, 2023 the Austin City Council approved the Recommended Land Management Strategies and Climate Vulnerability Analysis for Austin Parks and Recreation Department natural areas • Five (5) FTEs needed to implement the plan, 0 FTEs were assigned • 2 FTEs were allocated in FY24 budget amendment • The estimated need is ~$200/ac ongoing for staffing and O&M, based on internal cost estimates and comparisons with similar programs • The Land Management Plan supports Austin’s Climate Equity Plan Goal #1: By 2030, legally protect an additional 20,000 acres of carbon pools on natural lands and manage all new and existing natural areas (approximately 70,000 acres total), focusing on resilience. • The Land Management Plan supports Austin/Travis County Community Wildfire Preparedness Plan (CWPP), Parks and Recreation Long Range Plan for 2020- 2030, and Green Infrastructure Strengths and Gaps Assessment for the City of Austin Reed Additional Recommendation #2: Funding for 14 additional FTEs for PARD Grounds Maintenance Team, to align with same level of service in FY14. Rationale: (This information was provided by my appointing Council Member Alison Alter’s office from research by Budget Office Staff and PARD.) Budget Office and PARD Staffing has identified that funding for CIP (Capital Improvement Projects) has not always included funding for ongoing Operations and Maintenance staff for new projects. PARD has provided data for its ground maintenance team comparing FY14 with FY23 budgeted and actual expenditures. PARD’s analysis shows that attaining ‘ideal’ service levels would require 190.4 FTEs for their grounds maintenance team, an increase of 70.4 FTEs from its current authorization. PARD has provided data for its ground maintenance team comparing FY14 with FY23 budgeted and actual expenditures. Over this nine-year period, the budget for this team has grown from $7,279,052 to $13,296,168, an increase of $6,017,116, or 82.7%. Actual expenses by this team were $7,083,168 in FY14 and $12,960,218 in FY23, an increase of $5,877,050 or 83.0%. This increase was primarily driven by an increase in labor costs associated with significant increases in the City’s living wage. For instance, while Parks Grounds Assistants earned as little as $12.31 per hour in FY14, the current base wage for these positions is $20.80 per hour. PARD has created a model for FY23 based on estimated man …
M E M O R A N D U M TO: THROUGH: FROM: Mayor and Council Members Stephanie Hayden Howard, LMSW, Assistant City Manager Kimberly A. McNeeley, M.Ed., CPRP, Director Austin Parks and Recreation Department February 21, 2024 DATE: SUBJECT: Parks and Recreation Department Land Management Plan Update FY24 Q1 _____________________________________________________________________________ This memo serves as an update on the Austin Parks and Recreation Department’s (PARD) implementation of the Recommended Land Management Strategies and Climate Vulnerability Analysis, also referred to as the PARD land management plan. This Plan, approved by Council in September 2023, guides PARD’s efforts to actively restore natural areas, mitigate wildfire risk, and provide vital ecosystem services to the Austin area. The PARD Land Management Program (Program) is the Department work group primarily responsible for, among other tasks, implementing the PARD land management plan. During the first quarter of fiscal year 2024, the Program focused on implementing restoration and fuel mitigation treatments, establishing new contracts for vegetation management, hiring new full-time employees created through the Fiscal Year 2024 budget, and applying for grant funding. Land Management Program The Program is comprised of four positions and a total general fund budget of $852,814. Personnel Environmental Conservation Program Manager Environmental Program Coordinator Environmental Program Coordinator Environmental Scientist Manages PARD Land Management Program Community outreach and manages programs including Wildlife Austin Leads ecological restoration and fuel mitigation operations Leads environmental monitoring and research, GIS analysis, and implements land management activities $499,923 Existing Existing Allocated FY2024/position posted Allocated FY2024/position posted Page 1 of 3 Contracts/Commodities $387,891 Expenses such as contracted restoration work, equipment, tools, safety equipment, fencing, signage, professional development, fuel, utilities, toll charges, vehicle repairs and maintenance, office supplies, and computer equipment. $35,000 852,814 Expense Refund TOTAL Staff from PARD’s Forestry and Park Ranger Programs were temporarily assigned to assist with planning and oversight of contracted fuel mitigation projects while new full-time staff are recruited, hired, and onboarded. First Quarter Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) Accomplishments 621 acres of prescribed burns have been planned and permitted for completion this year. In November 2023, the Program hosted wildland fire training for Austin Civilian Conservation Corps members and additional staff from PARD, The Nature Conservancy, Austin Water, and the UT Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. These and other organizations assist with prescribed burns on parkland through cooperative agreements. The Program also completed 44 acres of other ecological restoration treatments. Up to 300 acres are …
COLD WEATHER SHELTERS IN PARD Devon Farber, MSRLS, CPRP David Crabb, Division Manager AGENDA • Overview • Summary Data • Clients Served • Program Staff INTRODUCTION • In Fiscal Year 2024, the Parks and Recreation Department provided cold weather shelters to those in need during periods of inclement weather. This presentation will provide an overview of the response, including the number of guests served, the dates of operation, and the staff involved. • The decision to open Cold Weather Shelters is typically made daily in coordination with multiple departments based on temperature thresholds. CWS are activated if the overnight weather meets the activation criteria: •32 degrees or colder overnight •35 degrees, with rain/wet •35 degrees, with wind chill of 32 or colder THE DATA • 12 total days of operation this FY • Jan 13-Jan 20 8 consecutive days Jan 14 - Wed Jan 17 24/7 operation Total served: 3,167 guests • Total staff hours by seasonal staff: 878.5 • 14 Community Rec exempt staff assisted in the efforts • City shelters housed and fed 209, 404, 659, 590 and 405 people per night for a total of 2,267 people served at 7 shelters over 5 days, a record number. • The City partners with the Austin Area Urban League to manage shelter operations at 3 sites, and Cap Metro to coordinate transportation. GUESTS SERVED Total Guests served: 3,167 Men: 2,533 Women: 634 Pets: 27 COMMUNITY RECREATION MANAGERS Devon Farber Delano Brown West Baxter Kelly Maltsberger North District Program Manager Central District Program Manager South District Program Manager Seniors 50+ Program Manager Tamika Bateman Gus Garcia Rec Center Marco Olivares Austin Rec Center Clay Shelton Northwest Rec Center Russell Diggs Dove Springs Rec Center Billy James Turner-Roberts / Parque Zaragoza Rec Center Mark Vasquez Montopolis Rec Center PROGRAM SUPERVISORS OF COLD WEATHER SHELTERS SUMMARY • The FY2024 Parks and Recreation Cold Weather Shelter program has been instrumental in providing relief to thousands of individuals and families during cold weather conditions. With dedicated supervisors and program managers, as well as multiple sites operating efficiently, the initiative has significantly contributed to the welfare of the community during adverse weather situations.
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD DIRECTOR’S UPDATE DATE: March 2024 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT EVENTS: Beverly S. Sheffield Education Center Renovation: The groundbreaking ceremony on February 22nd at the Barton Springs Bathhouse marked the start of renovations to the Beverly S. Sheffield Education Center and Splash! exhibit. Staff are working diligently to ensure that the new exhibit will be an engaging educational experience for its estimated 1 million annual visitors. For updates on this project, visit the Barton Springs Bathhouse Rehabilitation website. District 8 Jamestown Neighborhood Park: Austin Parks Foundation is leading the development of a concept plan for this undeveloped park. The first community meeting took place on March 5 (view recording). Now the community is invited to provide additional feedback through April 2 by responding to the community survey. Austin Parks Foundation is connecting with a Community Outreach Group to ensure community members can contribute to the future plans for this park. Community Survey: English | Spanish Project Webpage District 4 Bolm District Park Vision Plan: The second round of community engagement to gather input on preliminary concept designs for the undeveloped park is ongoing. The Community Survey #2: Preliminary Concepts (English| Spanish) is available online through March 24. Project staff will be hosting an in person pop-up at Cepeda Branch Library on Tuesday, March 19. Summary of first round engagement and concept boards will be on display and staff will be on hand to answer questions. Spanish interpretation will also be available. Additional project information and updates can be located on the project webpage. Pop-Up at Cepeda Branch Tuesday, March 19 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. 651 N Pleasant Valley Rd, Austin, TX 78702 District 3 Duncan Neighborhood Park: A ribbon cutting ceremony for the completion of landscape improvements at Duncan Neighborhood Park is planned for 11 a.m. on April 13th. Park improvements include a new ADA-accessible park walkway connecting the park entrances on 9th and 10th Street, enhanced picnic areas, new central lawn and meadow plantings, and an enhanced wetland that collects water from two existing ephemeral seeps. The contractor, Muniz Concrete and Contracting, began work on the improvements in late May of 2023. District 9 https://www.austintexas.gov/department/duncan-park-improvements 1 The newly improved Duncan Neighborhood Park PLANNING UPDATES: Chapter 26 cases on Braker Lane and Old Lampasas Dam: The Parks and Recreation Department (Department) set public hearings for May 2nd to consider the permanent change of use of an existing …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20240327-5 March 27, 2024 Duct Bank at Waller Beach at Town Lake Metropolitan Park Date: Subject: Motioned By: Kathryn Flowers Recommendation The Parks and Recreation Board recommends to Austin City Council to approve the permanent use and temporary use, not to exceed 160 days, of parkland located at Waller Beach at Town Lake Metropolitan Park (30 East Ave). Total mitigation fee is $1,774,993. Vote Seconded By: Lane Becker The motion to recommend to Austin City Council to approve the permanent use and temporary use, not to exceed 160 days, of parkland located at Waller Beach at Town Lake Metropolitan Park (30 East Ave). Total mitigation fee is $1,774,993 was approved on Vice Chair Flowers’ motion, Board Member Becker’s second on a 9-0 vote with one vacancy. Board Member Bazan absent. For: Pedro Villalobos, Kathryn Flowers, Lane Becker, Jennifer Franklin, Julie Hayes, Nicole Merritt, Shelby Orme, Holly Reed, Kim Taylor. Against: None. Abstain: None. Absent: Stephanie Bazan. Attest: Tim Dombeck, Board and Council Liaison, Parks and Recreation Department.
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20240327-3 March 27, 2024 Date: Subject: Motioned By: Lane Becker Recommendation Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Recommendation Seconded By: Nicole Merritt The Parks and Recreation Board recommends to the Austin City Council: 1. The allocation of sufficient additional funding on top of any proposed PARD FY2025 Budget to begin the process of addressing the under resourcing of recreation centers and senior centers, both in programming and physical capacity, including: a. Continuation of existing staff study and proposal of a potential bond for capital improvement projects identified as high priority for investment in the forthcoming PARD - Recreation and Senior Center Facility Assessment & Gap Analysis report. Potential priorities include but are not limited to: shade structures, increased headcount for PARD staff to run programming, additional recreational and/or senior facility space in areas identified as high need, and an expansion in adaptive services. (~$80,000, potentially in existing staff time) b. Additional part-time and/or hourly staff to accommodate more children during summer camps at facilities where space has been identified and expansion is possible, to total no fewer than 5 FTE ($150,000) 2. The allocation of additional funding on top of any proposed PARD FY2025 Budget to address the following needs outlined in the Climate Equity Plan: a. Carbon Neutral Public Lands (Climate Equity Plan Goal 4) i. The installation of efficient automated/drip irrigation on PARD property with native trees and landscaping, with priority near underserved communities with lower access to nature in East Austin, using reclaimed water wherever practical ($250,000) ii. Additional annual funding to be allocated for the maintenance of existing installations and irrigation systems ($150,000) iii. A full-time Program Manager positions (1 FTE) to be created and funded to plan land management projects and identify and apply for funding to implement them ($150,000) 3. The allocation of additional funding to the appropriate department to address the following needs outlined in the Climate Equity Plan: a. Converting Impervious Cover to Functional Green (Climate Equity Plan Goal 4) i. Audit of City-owned non-functional or unnecessary impervious cover, including surface-level parking lots, and develop a plan to convert an ambitious percentage of these to functional green uses as soon as practical ($200,000) 1 of 4 b. No Mow Signage (Climate Equity Plan Goal 4) i. Permanent signage to show city land is not being neglected but rather managed for wildlife. Signage should be prioritized in low income and …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES MARCH 27, 2024 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MINUTES MARCH 27, 2024 The PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD convened in a SPECIAL CALLED meeting on March 27, 2024 at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Villalobos called the PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD Meeting to order at 6:06 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Pedro Villalobos, Kathryn Flowers, Lane Becker, Stephanie Bazan, Shelby Orme, Holly Reed. Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Jennifer Franklin, Julie Hayes, Nicole Merritt, Kim Taylor. Board Members Absent: None. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Joe Kendall - Texas River School Aubrea Rudder - Austin Rowing Club Joe Riddell - Waterloo Greenway Conservancy Concerns Joel Manzo - Youth Baseball Advocate Jason Williams - Youth Baseball Advocate, Northwest Park Justin Graber - Youth Baseball Advocate, Garrison Park Horacio Garcia - Youth Baseball Advocate Rob Bluestein - Youth Baseball Advocate Sharon Blythe - Parkland used for infrastructure projects APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meetings of February 26, 2024. The motion to approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meeting of February 26, 2024 was approved on Vice Chair Flowers’ motion, Chair Villalobos’ second on a 9-0 vote with one vacancy. Board Member Bazan absent. WORKING GROUP RECOMMENDATIONS 2. Report of recommendations by the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Budget Working Group. Vice Chair Flowers addressed the Board regarding discussions of the working group, the needs of Austin’s Park system, and how to realistically have the most impact. No action was taken on this item. 1 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES MARCH 27, 2024 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Approve a recommendation to Austin City Council regarding the Austin Parks and Recreation Department’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget. The motion to approve the recommendation as posted in backup was made by Board Member Becker and seconded by Board Member Merritt. The motion to amend the recommendation to include funding for three full-time employee positions to implement PARD’s Land Management Plan was made by Board Member Reed and seconded by Chair Villalobos. Board Members discussed this amendment. Board Member Reed withdrew the motion. The motion to amend the recommendation to add Section 4 to read “The allocation of additional funding on top of any proposed PARD FY2025 Budget to address funding for fourteen additional full-time employees for the PARD Ground Maintenance Team in order to align …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD FEBRUARY 26, 2024 – 6:00 PM CITY HALL CHAMBERS, ROOM 1001 301 W. 2ND STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 Some members of the Parks and Recreation Board may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. For remote participation, registration must be completed no later than noon the day before the meeting. To register to speak, click here: https://forms.office.com/g/0E6sDvjENu or call or email Tim Dombeck, (512) 974- 6716, Tim.Dombeck@austintexas.gov. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and may be allowed up to three (3) minutes to provide their comments. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Pedro Villalobos (D-2), Chair Kathryn Flowers (D-4), Vice Chair Shelby Orme (D-1) Nicole Merritt (D-3) Stephanie Bazan (D-5) Lisa Hugman (D-6) Julie Hayes (D-7) Kim Taylor (D-8) AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Jennifer Franklin (D-9) Holly Reed (D-10) Lane Becker (Mayor) The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three- minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meetings of January 22, 2024. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Discussion and possible action regarding letters of support for the Parks and Recreation Department Nature Programs Team. Presenter(s): Amanda Ross, Natural Resources Division Manager, Parks and Recreation Department. Presentation, discussion and possible action regarding a recommendation to Austin City Council to approve an ordinance to amend Title 25 related to the environmental protections at the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail. (PARD Long Range Strategies: Urban Public Spaces, Park Access for All). Presenter(s): Leslie Lilly, Environmental Program Coordinator, Watershed Protection Department. Presentation, discussion and possible action regarding a recommendation to Austin City Council to approve the permanent use of an existing Park and Recreation easement adjacent to the Wildhorse Ranch PUD #10. Total Mitigation is $6,282. Presenter(s): Bryan Golden, Capital Improvement Program Manager, Transportation and Public Works Department. Page 1 of 2 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Presentation, discussion and possible action regarding a recommendation to Austin City Council related to an application received by the City to rename the Barton Springs Bathhouse to the Joan Means Khabele Bathhouse at Barton Springs Pool. Presenter(s): Kimberly McNeeley, Parks and …
Butler Trail Code Amendment Leslie Lilly Environmental Conservation Program Manager N I T S U A F O Y T I C W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T N I T S U A F O Y T I C 2 Background • Construction of Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail began in 1971 • Code compliant at time of construction • 2017 WPO code amendment restrictions on 50 ft setback • Current use today averages ~ 5 million visits annually W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T N I T S U A F O Y T I C 3 Background Amendment initiated by City Council on May 18th, 2023 W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T N I T S U A F O Y T I C 4 The Trail Conservancy • Urban Forestry and Natural Areas Management Guidelines • Safety and Mobility Study • Parkland Operations And Maintenance Agreement W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T Site Conditions 5 N I T S U A F O Y T I C W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T N I T S U A F O Y T I C 6 Proposed Amendment • • • 25-8-261 (B)(3)(c) to allow the Butler Trail to exceed 12 feet width (no administrative variance) 25-8-261 (B)(3)(f-g) to allow the Butler Trail to be located within 50 feet of the shoreline of Lady Bird Lake with a baseline of 1:1 restoration, and up to 2:1 restoration where feasible, for impacts associated with reconstruction and capital improvements or alternative compliance as approved by the Director of Watershed. Current code only allows this with an administrative variance. 25-8-261 (C)(2) to remove the requirement for additional restoration for shoreline disturbance …
…. § 25-8-261 - CRITICAL WATER QUALITY ZONE DEVELOPMENT. In all watersheds, development is prohibited in a critical water quality zone except as provided in this Division. Development allowed in the critical water quality zone under this Division shall be revegetated and restored within the limits of construction as prescribed by the Environmental Criteria Manual. (B) Open space is permitted in a critical water quality zone if a program of fertilizer, pesticide, and herbicide use is approved by the Watershed Protection Department, subject to the conditions in this Subsection. (3) A hard surfaced trail may cross the critical water quality zone pursuant to Section 25-8- 262 (Critical Water Quality Zone Mobility Crossings). A hard surfaced trail that does not cross the critical water quality zone may be located within the critical water quality zone only if: (a) designed in accordance with the Environmental Criteria Manual; (b) located outside the erosion hazard zone unless protective works are provided as prescribed in the Drainage Criteria Manual; (c) limited to 12 feet in width plus one-foot compacted sub-grade shoulders, unless a wider trail is designated in a Council-adopted plan or the trail is a part of the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail system; (d) located not less than 25 feet from the centerline of a waterway if within an urban watershed; (e) located not less than 50 feet from the centerline of a minor waterway, 100 feet from the centerline of an intermediate waterway, and 150 feet from the centerline of a major waterway if within a watershed other than an urban watershed; (f) located not less than 50 feet from the shoreline of Lake Travis, Lake Austin, Lady Bird Lake unless necessary for the construction of the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail system as allowed in (g) below, and Lake Walter E. Long, as defined in Section 25-8-92; and (g) located not less than 50 feet from the shoreline of Lady Bird Lake as defined in Section 25-8-92, unless restoration is provided at a minimum ratio of 1:1 with the option that the applicant and the Director collaborate to reach up to 2:1, as determined by a functional assessment of floodplain health; or (g) (h) located not less than 100 feet from the ordinary high water mark of the Colorado River downstream from Longhorn Dam. (C) The requirements of this subsection apply along Lake Travis, Lake …
ANN and ROY BUTLER HIKE AND BIKE TRAIL SITE ANALYSIS and RECOMMENDATION Executive Summary On May 18, 2023 City Council initiated resolution #20230518-044 that directed staff to bring forth an ordinance amending Land Development Code (LDC) 25-8-261 “to allow the Butler Trail to remain within the setbacks applicable to Lady Bird Lake; and to allow capital improvements made to the Butler Trail to comply with the recommendations from the 2015 Butler Trail Urban Forestry and Natural Area Management Guidelines, maintenance standards of care listed in the Butler Trail POMA, and the recommendations provided in the Butler Trail Safety and Mobility Study.” Watershed Protection Department staff recognize the need to accommodate necessary improvements and updates to the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail (Butler Trail) for the benefit of the community. Staff also recognize the importance of providing improvements related to safety and mobility while demonstrating enhancements to water quality protection and the restoration of environmental function. Therefore, the following report and analysis provide a recommendation for a code amendment to the current 50’ setback from Lady Bird Lake and development in the Critical Water Quality Zone (CWQZ) to provide a feasible pathway that will allow future capital improvement projects to the Butler Trail, while providing improved environmental protections. The proposed code amendment would allow improvements to, and reconstruction of, the Butler Trail within the inner half Critical Water Quality Zone in exchange for adequate restoration of the floodplain at a minimum ratio of 1:1 restoration and up to 2:1 restoration where feasible, including off site locations along the Butler Trail. Restoration will be completed in accordance with Environmental Criterial Manual (ECM) Appendix X Functional Assessment of Floodplain Health guidelines. Introduction The Trail The 10-mile Butler Trail loop is located along the shores of Lady Bird Lake in Central Austin within the Town Lake Metropolitan Park, and is primarily a soft surface trail constructed with decomposed granite. Originally constructed in the 1970’s, the Butler Trail has developed considerable cultural significance in the community and represents one of the most popular regional recreational amenities. Its popularity is due in part to 1 the natural setting and views of Lady Bird Lake. The land through which the Trail runs includes several important ecological habitats and sensitive environmental areas, including Critical Environmental Features (CEFs) and Critical Water Quality Zones (CWQZ) as defined in the City of Austin’s land development code. Additionally, 80% …
C20-2023-013 ORDINANCE AMENDMENT REVIEW SHEET Amendment: C20-2023-013 Butler Trail Code Amendment Description: Amendments to City Code Title 25-8-261(Critical Water Quality Zone Development) in response to City Council Resolution 20230518-044 to allow the Butler Trail to remain within the setbacks applicable to Lady Bird Lake; and to allow capital improvements made to the Butler Trail to comply with the recommendations from the 2015 Butler Trail Urban Forestry and Natural Area Management Guidelines, maintenance standards of care listed in the Butler Trail POMA, and the recommendations provided in the Butler Trail Safety and Mobility Study. Proposed Language: Consider an ordinance to amend Title 25 related to environmental protections at the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail. Summary of proposed code amendment In 2017, provisions were added to the Land Development Code section 25-8-261 (Critical Water Quality Zone Development) restricting development within the 50 ft setback of Lady Bird Lake including the construction of trails, including the existing Butler Trail, approximately 85% of which is currently located within the 50 ft setback of Lady Bird Lake. This restriction makes it more difficult to enhance, reconstruct and build the Butler Trail in its current alignment. In response to the Council Resolution 20230518-044, staff requests an amendment to existing code language to accommodate the current Butler Trail alignment and width while continuing to provide protection to the shoreline through mitigation and improvements to the health of the floodplain. Three amendments to 25-8-261 (CRITICAL WATER QUALITY ZONE DEVELOPMENT) are proposed: • • 25-8-261 (B)(3)(c) to allow the Butler Trail to exceed 12 feet width 25-8-261 (B)(3)(f-g) to allow the Butler Trail to be located within 50 feet of the shoreline of Lady Bird Lake with restoration provided for impact associated with capital improvements and reconstruction of the trail. 25-8-261 (C)(2) to remove the requirement for additional restoration for shoreline disturbance associated with the Butler Trail. • Background: On May 18th , 2023, City Council approved Resolution No. 20230518-044 to initiate amendments to City Code Title 25 (Land Development) to allow the Butler Trail to remain within the setbacks applicable to Lady Bird Lake; and to allow capital improvements made to the Butler Trail to comply with the recommendations from the 2015 Butler Trail Urban Forestry and Natural Area Management Guidelines, maintenance standards of care listed in the Butler Trail POMA, and the recommendations provided in the Butler Trail Safety and Mobility Study. 1 C20-2023-013 …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20231206-004 Second by: Perry Bedford Date: December 6, 2023 Subject: Proposed amendments to Title 25 related to environmental protections at the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail. Motion by: Jennifer Bristol WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting three specific amendments to 25-8-261 Critical Water Quality Zone Development are proposed: 25-8-261 (B)(3)(c) to allow the Butler Trail to exceed 12 feet in width; 25-8-261 (B)(3)(f-g) to allow the Butler Trail to be located within 50 feet of the shoreline of Lady Bird Lake with mitigation for impact with a 2:1 or alternative compliance as approved by the Director of the Watershed Protection Department; and 25-8-261 (C)(2) to remove the requirement for additional restoration for shoreline disturbance associated with shoreline access for the Butler Trail. WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the site is located in the Lady Bird Lake Watershed. WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that staff recommend this amendment. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends the requested amendment with the following: Staff Conditions City staff recognize the need to accommodate necessary improvements and updates to the Butler Trail for the benefit of the community especially those related to safety and mobility. The proposed code amendment provides a pathway forward to allow approval of future Butler Trail capital improvement project while balancing the needs of water quality protection and environmental function. Vote: 7-0 For: Perry Bedford, Richard Brimer, Jennifer Bristol, Mariana Krueger, Haris Qureshi, Melinda Schiera, and David Sullivan Against: None Abstain: None Absent: Hanna Cofer, Peter Einhorn, Colin Nickells, and Kevin Ramberg Attest: Kaela Champlin Environmental Commission Liaison 1 of 1
EAST BRAKER LANE EXTENSION Transportation and Public Works Department Parks and Recreation Board Meeting February 26, 2024 Parks Easement Parks Easement Introduction ■ The City has acquired right-of-way from developers to extend East Braker Lane from to Blue Bluff Road. ■ City Council approved the zoning change for Wildhorse PUD on December 14, 2023 for the final piece of the section between Decker Lane and Blue Bluff Road. ■ Parkland easement is opened to full use along Lone Star gas line (Doc. 2020194382) ■ Transportation and Public Works Department (TPW) is requesting a permanent change of use of parkland for right-of-way, utility, and drainage construction through the Chapter 26 process. ■ The roadway would have raised protected bicycle lanes, sidewalks, tree and furniture zones, and landscaped medians and buffers. ■ Memo of understanding with PARD, WPD includes: – commitment to connect Critical Environmental Features (CEFs) via culverts – Addition of rain gardens and green infrastructure in the tree/furniture zone – new plantings outside of the ROW per City standard detail 609-S) – grade-separated and/or protected crossings across the new road at the Austin to Manor Urban Trail Parkland Mitigation Summary ■ TCAD Parcel 953289 (38.7809 acres) Valuation $1,357,332 ■ Permanent Use (Roadway): 7,818 sq. ft. = $6,282 ■ Chapter 26 Processing Fee: ■ Total Payment Amount: $4,000 $10,282 ■ The Transportation and Public Works Department will pay the mitigation amount and processing fee. Request and Timeline: ■ The Transportation and Public Works Department asks for a recommendation to City Council to approve 7,818 square feet for a future roadway connection on parkland. Total Mitigation is $6,282. ■ The roadway project is many years from happening but the right-of-way dedication to the City is part of an on-going development project and needs to be finalized as part of that application. ■ Points of Contact: Dan Hennessey, Transportation and Public Works; Gregory Montes, Parks and Recreation.
M E M O R A N D U M O F U N D E R S T A N D I N G $6,282 $10,282 M.O.U. # 24-002 1/10/2024 Parkland Mitigation Amount = Chapter 26 Administrative Fee = $4,000 Total = Richard Mendoza, P.E. Director, Transportation and Public Works Department Kimberly McNeeley, M.Ed., CPRP Director, Parks and Recreation Department TO: FROM: SUBJECT: Braker Lane Extension (SP-2022-0425D) DATE: Transportation and Public Works Department is in agreement to sponsor a Chapter 26 application for the extension of East Braker Lane, adjacent to the Wildhorse Ranch Planned Unit Development #10, which encroaches upon an existing 7,818 sq. ft. Park Recreational Easement as shown on Attachment B (location map). Requested Permanent Change of Use Area: 7,818 sq. ft. = $6,282 (Attachment A, Mitigation Worksheet) Transportation and Public Works Point of Contact: Dan Hennessey Parks and Recreation Point of Contact: Gregory Montes Phone Number: 512-974-9458 Parks & Recreation Board: Council Approval: Phone Number: 512-974-1305 1 of 2 Date ____________________________________________________________ Kimberly McNeeley, M.Ed., CPRP Director, Parks and Recreation Department CONCURRENCE ____________________________________________________________ Richard Mendoza, P.E. Director, Transportation and Public Works Department Date Attachments A: (Mitigation Calculation Worksheet) Attachments B: (Location Map) 2 of 2
ATTACHMENT "A" - M.O.U. MITIGATION FEES CALCULATION WORKSHEET - SUMMARY Project: Braker Lane Extension - Parkland Easement Permanent Use - Residentail MOU # Calculated Fee $6,282 TOTAL = $6,282 ATTACHMENT "A" - M.O.U. MITIGATION FEES CALCULATION WORKSHEET Permanent Use Agreement - Residential TCAD Land Value of Adjacent Properties ($): $1,357,332 Project: Braker Lane Extension - Parkland Easement 0 MOU # 0 0 Avg. Lot Size (sq. ft.): 1,689,296 Based on subject property (Braker Ln Street Deed) Value per Square Foot. ($): $0.80 TCAD Land Value divided by Avg. Lot Size Requested Area (sq. ft.): 7,818 Submitted by Requesting Department/Entity Preliminary Mitigation Value ($): $6,282 Requested Area multiplied by the Value per Square Foot Disturbance Value (%): 100.00% Based on limitations on future development for that portion of parkland (see table below) Final Mitigation Value ($): $6,282 Preliminary Mitigation Value multiplied by the Disturbance Value DISTURBANCE VALUES Area can still be developed with minimal or no limitations (underground work/materials with no/few above ground appurtenances/fixtures) Area can still be developed with moderate limitations (underground work/materials with some small/medium appurtenances/fixtures) Development severely limited (underground work/materials with large or several small/medium appurtenances/fixtures) No future park development possible in the area - dedicated to installation (underground and/or surface appurtenances/fixtures) 35% 50% 75% 100% Prop ID Avg Sq Ft Land Value 953289 1,689,296 $1,357,332 1,689,296 $1,357,332 Totals 2023 TCAD Data
